46th Wellington Science Fair to showcase young talent

Chicken-flavoured ice cream and Recycling bins no match for winds. These are just two of the science projects produced by students in the annual National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair, to be held at Victoria University of Wellington, 25–28 August.

There will be 420 exhibits from students in Years 7 – 13, from 42 schools throughout the Wellington region, a significant increase on previous years.

On 26 August, a team of 24 judges, all professional scientists and educators, will interview the students and select the best projects in each of the five age classes.

Dr Gillian Turner, Chief Judge and Judging Coordinator, says “It’s very exciting that students display such curiosity and innovation in the topics they’ve explored. Each year, the exhibits are simply outstanding.”

NIWA’s Education Coordinator, Dr Julie Hall says “NIWA is proud to sponsor this event as part of our commitment to fostering scientific excellence and knowledge among young people. The Science and Technology Fairs are a great way to get school students to think about and engage with science. As well as gaining knowledge of science and the scientific process, they develop critical thinking skills.”

Students are competing for over $10,000 in prizes, donated by a range of businesses and science organisations. The prize winners will be announced on 27 August.

The Royal Society of New Zealand, which promotes excellence in science and technology, is donating the premier award of $700 and Otago University is giving an all-expenses paid trip to its ‘Hands on Science’ summer science school.

“NIWA hopes that many of the students exhibiting at these fairs will take up careers in science, which are vital to sustaining New Zealand’s environment and economy,” says Dr Hall.

Victoria University’s Faculty of Science and Scholarships Office are offering two prizes of
first-year university fees scholarships.

Top prize winners will be nominated for places at Genesis Energy’s ‘Realise the Dream’, a national week-long educational forum showcasing excellence in student research or technological practice.

NIWA is also a major sponsor of the Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato, Science and Technology Fairs.

Public viewing:
Laby Building, Kelburn Parade, Victoria University of Wellington
9am – 5pm, Friday 27 August
9am – 12.30pm, Saturday 28 August

Around 550 students are expected to be there.

Prizegiving:
1pm, Saturday 28 August, Maclaurin Lecture Theatre 3, Kelburn Parade, Victoria University of Wellington.

Media please note: To obtain advance notice of winners on Friday for an interview and photograph, contact Sylvia Nichol.

The details of prizewinners and the first prizewinner in each class will be posted on www.sciencefair.org.nz at midday on Friday 27 August.